Middle School Curriculum Booklet 25-27

Music

CAIE IGCSE Music 0978

How is the course assessed? The final grade awarded is based on assessment of two pieces of NEA and a written examination:

Why study Music? The study of Music supports a kaleidoscope of different skills.

Component 1: Listening 40% of final mark, 1 hour 15 minutes

Academically, it opens doors and is well regarded for its unique position straddling the arts and the sciences. Any pupil of Grade 4 standard – or the potential to achieve that standard by the end of the course – and with the ability to read music, can excel in this subject. Pupils find that music lessons become an oasis in the week; the subject is enjoyable, satisfying and 'hands-on'. What does the course cover? The Music course covers the three main skills of performing, composing and listening where the study of Western Music forms a basis for comparison with other cultures from around the world. All levels of musical aspiration are catered for, from pupils intending subsequently to follow musical careers to those merely wishing to gain a fuller understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of music in its wide variety of styles. Pupils will perform solo and ensemble pieces and are advised to have individual tuition on an instrument or voice for the duration in addition to their classroom lessons. They will learn how to use the technology associated with music as well as how to record, mix and edit sound, and there are several music technology clubs on offer, ranging from film/television composition to learning the skills needed to record a group of musicians. In a particularly exciting development, pupils write two commissioned compositions that will be performed by professional musicians in our Theatre. In Senior 10, one piece is composed for our Ensemble in Residence ‘The Berkeley Ensemble’ and in Senior 11, pupils write a piece for a professional rock band.

Pupils write and record two contrasting pieces across the duration of the course. Internally marked and externally moderated. Component 3: Composing Non-Examination Assessment 30% of final mark Performance of both a solo and an ensemble element, equally weighted and lasting for a combined time of between 4 and 10 minutes. Internally marked and externally moderated. Component 2: Performing Non-Examination Assessment 30% of final mark Written examination containing questions based on recorded extracts of prepared and unprepared music from Western and World Music traditions.

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